There are two important milestones you have to achieve when preparing for your studies in the UK: gaining admission into a UK university and obtaining your UK Student visa. The Student visa gives you the right to study and live in the UK for the duration of your course, and you have to apply for it online after you receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letter from the university.
The visa application process consists of a few key steps: submitting your application online, submitting your supporting documents, paying the application fee, giving your biometrics, and finally, your visa interview. Throughout this process, visa officers assess whether you’re a genuine student, and the visa interview is just another step in doing so. We’ve put together this guide to help you prepare for your UK visa interview questions and be confident in answering them successfully.
Overview of your UK Student visa
Before we go through the most common questions you may face at your UK visa interview, let’s take a look at the steps of the visa application process that lead up to it. To start the process, you’ll need to fill in your Student visa application form online, which can be found through the GOV.UK site. It will cost you £490 and you’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application – usually £1,552 for a two-year visa, though the exact amount depends on the length of your visa.
Afterwards, you have to submit your documents – you can do this by yourself when you’re filling in your online application or pay for a value-added service to submit your documents at a visa application centre when you go to give your biometrics. Once you’ve completed these steps, you may be required to attend a visa interview.
Understanding the UK visa interview
All those who have applied for a UK Student visa won’t get asked to attend a visa interview – this only happens in certain circumstances. If you’re not asked to attend one after you’ve submitted your biometric information, don’t worry—this means your application is being processed and you’ll hear back from the Home Office within three weeks of you giving your biometrics.
If you’re asked to attend a UK visa interview – also known as a ‘credibility interview’ – it’s mandatory for you to attend it. The interview is with a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) officer and will be conducted for about 10 to 15 minutes either in-person or via video call at a visa application centre.
Is a UK visa interview mandatory for all applicants?
It’s important to remember that not all applicants will be invited for an interview; visa interviews may only be conducted if UKVI officers need clarification about any inconsistencies in your visa application or further information about your supporting documents. You may also be called for an interview if you have an unusual gap of more than six years between your previous education qualification and the one you’re applying for, or if you’ve switched to a course significantly different from your previous field of study.
What’s the purpose of the UK visa interview?
The approval of your UK visa depends on two factors: the legitimacy of your application and the authenticity of your supporting documents. The visa interview is your chance to show the UKVI officers that you’re a genuine student, which means that you may be required to speak about your:
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Immigration history in the UK and other countries
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Your education history, along with your plans for your UK study and what you’ll do afterwards
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Your personal and financial circumstances
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Dependents’ circumstances, if they’re planning on joining you in the UK as well
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Your reasons for choosing the UK for your higher education
Understanding the purpose of your visa interview is one of the most important steps of your preparation process as it helps you gauge the kind of questions the visa officer may ask from you during the interview. To help you out, we’ve listed a few key questions you’ll be asked next, along with some sample answers.
Frequently asked UK Student visa interview questions
During your UK visa interview, you must be prepared to give detailed answers, as the interviewer will not prompt you for further information if your answer is too general or short. Remember, the interview is about showing who you are, so be honest and speak passionately about your chosen university and course.
Here are some of the common UK visa interview questions you can prepare for. We've given sample answers as well to help you be more prepared.
| Question | Sample Answer |
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| Why do you want to study in the UK? | I have been accepted into the University of Bristol’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. I’m excited about following this course as it’ll help me upskill in key areas of management and business administration, which will give a much-needed boost for my career. As a marketing professional, I’ve spent the past few years working at the Ad Institute in India, where I was part of a number of client projects. I hope to build on these skills I’ve gained in the past few years through the MBA so that I can work in a leadership position in marketing. I’m particularly excited about studying in the UK as it’s known for having high academic standards, and this would give me the necessary skills I need to take the next steps in my career. |
| Who is covering your expenses? | I plan to fund my studies in the UK using my savings and with the support of my parents. I have INR 24 lakhs in my savings account which I will use towards my tuition fees at the University of Bristol and for my pre-arrival expenses. My living expenses will be covered by my parents who will use their joint savings account which has a sum of INR 15 lakhs for this purpose. |
| Why do you want to study in the UK instead of your home country? | I completed high school and my undergraduate degree in India. India has taught me a great deal, but I now wish to expand my horizons. I believe that the UK would provide me with the perfect opportunity to learn about different cultures and explore different ways of living. I’m also excited about travelling in the UK as I’m passionate about learning about its rich history. These experiences would help me when I return to my home country. |
| Where do you plan on staying in the UK? | I plan on renting a shared flat. I have looked into accommodation options provided by the university and have spoken to them about the best locations outside of the university where I can find a room. I wish to live outside of campus as that would give me the opportunity to explore Bristol a little more. |
| Do you have any relatives living in the UK? | Yes, I have an uncle who is living in London. He lives with his two sons, who both grew up in the UK and are now working here. He is my mother’s cousin brother, but I have not met him very often as he spent most of his adult years in the UK. I plan to visit him once I have started my course in the UK and settled down into my studies. |
Your answers must reflect your passion for the course you’ve chosen to do in the UK and provide clarity on how you’ll fund your studies and about your plans after you finish your degree. Researching the most common questions you may face, such as the ones we’ve highlighted above, and practising the answers to yourself beforehand are helpful steps in building your confidence for the interview. If your partner is planning on joining you in the UK, they may be called in for an interview as well, so the next section is to help them prepare for it.
Frequently-asked UK Dependent visa interview questions
Similar to the visa interview of the main applicant, the interview of the dependent will also be conducted by a UKVI officer. The dependent visa interview is done to ensure that your relationship with your partner is genuine and continuing (i.e. you’re still together in the relationship). If you’re invited for a dependent visa interview, there are some common UK visa interview questions you may encounter – we’ve listed these out in the table below so you can prepare to face them confidently.
| Question | Sample Answer |
|---|---|
| Where and when did you meet your partner? | I first met my partner – Santosh – at university. We were studying different courses at IIT in Bangalore, but ran into each other at the lunch room initially when he shared a table with me because it was so crowded and he didn’t have a place to sit. Afterwards, we kept seeing each other in the library, and he one day asked me to go for a walk. We became friends, and he asked me to be his girlfriend about four months after that. |
| How much time have you spent with your partner? | We’ve been together for about 10 years now. I first started dating him in 2014 – during our first year in college. We got married as soon as we both graduated, and have been living together since then. |
| Why did you marry your partner? | I believe he is the perfect partner for me – and my parents love him too. He gets along well with my friends and family, and we both have similar goals in life. |
| What do you have in common with your partner? | We both love to read together! The library was the first place he asked me out for a walk, and we ran into each other a lot there because we were always reading. We both buy each other books all the time and spend our time collecting books together. |
| What does your partner do in their spare time? | When Santosh has some free time, he loves to cook. He’s a great chef, and he’s always watching cooking videos and then trying to recreate the food in our kitchen. |
These are some of the questions you may be asked during your UK visa interview as a dependent, but it’s important to remember that the questions for your interview are tailored to check on the personal circumstances of you and your partner. In addition to researching potential questions before the interview, there are some other steps you can take to prepare yourself. Let’s have a look at these next.
Tips for a successful UK visa interview
The visa interview is a crucial step in your visa application process, and while it can be stressful to think about at first, you’ll be able to handle it confidently with the right preparation. It’s primarily designed to ensure that you’re a genuine candidate for the UK Student visa, so keep this in mind when answering the questions. We’ve given you a detailed guide in the next two sections on how to prepare for and face your UK visa interview successfully.
Before the UK visa interview
If you’re required to take a UK visa interview during your Student visa application process, it’s important to be well-prepared for it. This ensures that you can communicate clearly with the officer conducting your interview and demonstrate your genuine intentions as a student. You can use these tips to prepare for your interview:
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Understand the interview’s purpose and the Student visa requirements – The approval of your UK visa depends on the legitimacy of your application and the authenticity of your supporting documents. This means that the visa interview is your chance to show the UKVI officers that you’re a genuine student, you can financially support yourself while in the UK, and you’re clear about your plans after graduation. Understanding the purpose of the interview, along with the UK’s Student visa requirements, can help you when you’re framing your answers to the visa officer and showing them that your intentions align with the visa requirements.
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Know your course and university thoroughly – One of the most common UK visa interview questions is about your course and university. To demonstrate your reasons for picking them, research both thoroughly to be clear about the modules you’ll be studying and how the university would support you in your academic journey.
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Be prepared to discuss your financial circumstances – It is highly likely that a visa officer will ask about how you plan on funding your education in the UK, so it’s important to be clear about your financial plan. When preparing for questions about your financial circumstances, remember to also research the exact living expenses in the location of your university as this would show the interviewer your preparedness for life in the UK.
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Organise your documents ahead of time – Having your supporting documents in hand is a great way to provide evidence of your circumstances to your visa officer during the interview. It’s best to neatly organise them in a folder ahead of time, so you can easily access them when needed. If you want to start preparing early, our blog on the documents you need for your Student visa can be helpful for you in this step. In summary, here’s a checklist of the documents you’ll likely need to carry with you;
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Passport
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CAS
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Bank statements or other financial statements showing proof of funds
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Accommodation details
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Your IELTS test scores
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Scholarship letters, if applicable
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Practice in front of a mirror – Practising your answers in front of the mirror allows you to observe your own body language, facial expressions, and posture which in turn can help you in communicating effectively. Presenting that you’re relaxed and calm can help communicate your confidence to the visa officer conducting your interview.
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Conduct a mock interview with a friend – Once you’ve gained some practice answering the questions by yourself, it’s important to practise in an environment where the interview conditions are stimulated. The best way to do this is by getting the help of a friend or family member and conducting a mock interview. Take advantage of this opportunity to dress like you would for the interview, greet your mock interviewer professionally, and answer the questions without referring to your notes.
While the UK visa interview can seem challenging at first, remember that it’s another opportunity for you to prove to the UK visa officers that you’re a genuine student who is passionate about pursuing a degree in the UK. Practising answers to sample questions and thoroughly researching your course, university, and the Student visa requirements are helpful before your interview day. On the day of your interview and during the interview itself, it’s crucial to remember a few additional requirements – we’ve detailed those below.
During the UK visa interview
It’s natural to be slightly nervous on the day of your UK visa interview, but it’s important not to lose confidence in yourself. Consider the following tips to build your confidence during your interview:
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Dress professionally – First impressions matter, and on the day of your interview, this is usually done with how you’re presenting yourself. Be well-groomed and dress professionally to show your seriousness towards the interview.
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Greet the visa officer and introduce yourself – Another way of creating a great first impression is by greeting the UKVI officer professionally and introducing yourself in a friendly manner. This establishes your confidence early on in the interview, and you’ll feel more comfortable to face the questions once the interview begins.
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Listen attentively and respond clearly – It’s important to be present and attentive during your interview so that you can answer the questions accurately. Concentrate on directly addressing the questions and responding clearly.
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Avoid exaggeration – Being yourself is the best strategy to show your interviewer that you’re genuine about your studies in the UK. At the interview stage, you’ve already been accepted into a UK university, so try not to oversell your qualifications. Instead, focus on helping the visa officer understand your intentions in the UK and for your career after graduation.
In addition to the strategies we’ve highlighted above, remember to also be factual and friendly. If you’ve prepared well, you don’t have to stress too much about the interview, but it’s possible you may face some unexpected questions.
Handling uncommon or unexpected questions during the UK visa interview
Usually, since visa interviews follow a common structure designed to help with understanding your intentions for study and your financial circumstances, the questions you encounter won’t differ too much from those we’ve highlighted above. However, if you’re asked a question you haven’t prepped for, remember to:
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Stay calm and confident
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Seek clarification if needed
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Think before responding
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Link your answer to other relevant information
Common mistakes to avoid during your UK visa interview
If you’re prepared for your interview, you can face it confidently, but it’s not uncommon for applicants to make mistakes during the process. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you make a better impression during your UK visa interview:
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Providing inconsistent information – Remember to be consistent when answering your questions as inconsistency raises doubts about your application.
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Overlooking documentation – Don’t forget to take your documents with you to the interview; they’re crucial in serving as evidence.
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Appearing uninterested – It’s essential to pay close attention to your interviewer during the interview as appearing uninterested would be rude.
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Getting flustered – Staying calm and collected during your interview will help you think clearly before answering the questions, so don’t get flustered, especially when faced with an uncommon question.
The visa interview is a crucial step in your visa application process and ensuring that you submit both your application and supporting documents accurately is vital in proving to the UK’s Home Office that you’re a genuine student. If you need guidance in breaking these steps down and understanding the application process in more detail, we’re here to help.
Our experts at SI-UK can help you prepare for your UK Student visa through our UK Student visa service for Indian students. We can advise you on the latest immigration rules and regulations, provide a checklist for your supporting documents, assist you with completing your online visa application, and communicate with the UKVI office on your behalf. Book a free initial consultation with us today to get started.
FAQs
What questions are asked in the UK visa interview?
The visa interview assesses whether you’re a genuine student, which means that you will most likely be questioned on your:
- Immigration history in the UK and other countries
- Education history, along with your plans for your UK study and what you’ll do afterwards
- Personal and financial circumstances
- Dependents’ circumstances, if they’re planning on joining you in the UK as well
- Reasons for choosing the UK for your higher education
How can I answer the UK visa interview questions?
When answering questions during your UK visa interview, it’s important to be honest, confident, and friendly. Preparing before the interview will help you in this process, as you’ll be sure of your answers. Additionally, be detailed when answering as your interviewer won’t prompt you for extra information.
Is the UK visa interview easy?
The UK visa interview can be made easy by preparing thoroughly ahead of time. Throughout the UK Student visa application process, visa officers assess whether you’re a genuine student, and the visa interview is just another step in doing so. It can seem intimidating at first, but with the right preparation, you’ll be able to handle it confidently. Before your interview,make sure you have a clear understanding of the interview’s purpose and the Student visa requirements, research your course and university, organise your documents, and conduct a mock interview with a friend.
How do I pass a UK visa interview?
Since a UK visa interview assesses your validity as a potential internal student in the UK, it’s crucial that you’re truthful when answering the questions. To do this confidently, you must thoroughly prepare beforehand by understanding the interview’s purpose and the Student visa requirements, researching your course and university, organising your documents, and conducting a mock interview with a friend.
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